TREVOR TREDAWAY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL!
Trevor age 4 with Sister Morgan, age 2 Today!
A Look Back: Todd Tredaway holding newborn Trevor 
Trevor Greeting his new sister Morgan after she arrived! Note from Michael: I have accepted the fact that it is difficult for many parents--even single people alike--to read a story about an innocent child who is coping with a diagnosis of cancer. I may receive hundred of "hits" for such a posting and only a handful of comments. That's fine. This is not a negative reflection of the human condition, but rather a realistic one. We all hurt when a sweet child has to face a condition that is so unfair. For me, in the larger scheme of things, I take some comfort knowing that this post will find its way to the worldwide web crawler for anyone seeking information on Trevor Tredaway during a Google search. This is the least I can do. Trevor and his family and grandparents are my dear friends. If you are new to my website, let me briefly catch you up.
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For almost a year, I've been writing about a little boy named Trevor Tredaway. He is just 4 years old and last summer he was in Scottsdale to receive alternative medical treatment. Of course many of you have not met him as I have. But if you did, your hearts would be filled with Joy. This amazing little child has been battling brain cancer. Two weeks ago today, three of us here in Phoenix have re-started efforts to organize components of a benefit concert to address Trevor's medical bills, to show out Love and Support to this young family, and to increase awareness of pediatric brain cancer to all. I understand that this is a "heavy topic" for many of you and it may feel hard to absorb and perhaps uncomfortable to leave a comment. That's fine. But for once in my crazy career, I am not in a broadcasting studio and I am not competing for Neilsen or Arbitron ratings. I am trying to get the word out about Trevor's journey to full health. Trevor represents to me what is right about the world we live in. He has made miraculous progress. However, I also want to lend a voice on my Blogsite to his parents Todd and Melinda, who are dear friends of mine. Below is Melinda's most recent update on Trevors medical condition.
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On the benefit concert front: We are continuing to meet here in Phoenix to locate a major musical artist willing to waive their performance fee, a venue and a calender date for the show. Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers. Look at the photos above. If they reach your heart, then drop the family a note on the Caringbridge website. Todd and Melinda really do read each and every note and you will be providing Love, Hope and Supportiveness to them at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/trevortredaway.
Now here's Melinda with an update below:
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Melinda Tredaway: "Good Morning to everyone! I actually slept last night, except for a short duration when Trevor woke up to use the restroom and get some Tylenol for his headache. After 2 hours of sleep the night before, I feel pretty rested. It is sometimes hard to do when your mind just will not shut off!I thought we were getting Trevor's pain under more control. He is now up to 5 pain pills per day. Everything was great yesterday until last night around 10:00. He got to the point of screaming again because his butt was hurting. He is still having headaches every day. It is difficult to explain to a 4 year old that crying will make his headache worse. He tells me he can't stop crying and that his head hurts by itself. It is overwhelming to know that the cancer in his spine and head is what is causing all of this pain. Don't get me wrong, he has more hours during the day that are pain free, but when he starts hurting, it is very heartbreaking. Trevor had his 12th chemo treatment yesterday. His counts have remained steady throughout. They fluctuate from week to week, but his ANC has not dropped below 1,000. We still meet with a doctor from Cooks once per month. Yesterday, Dr. Heym was the doctor in town. In my last update, I mentioned that St. Jude said that Trevor would eventually need radiation. I spoke with Dr. Heym about this yesterday, and he feels that if Trevor's next MRI still shows growth, his best chance would be to go ahead with radiation. He explained that if Trevor continues to be non-responsive to chemo, the cancer could at some point invade his bones or go somewhere else in his body. At that point, it would be much more difficult to treat. Now his doctors at St. Jude felt he is responding since there was no additional leptomeningeal spread. But, if the "nodule" that did grow, continues to grow, something will have to be changed. What it will be, I don't know. I'm not ready for him to have radiation, but I also don't want to risk more growth. So, please please pray that the spot that grew has stopped growing.
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We have approximately 6 more treatments before his next MRI. Doctors don't think that chemo will shrink the leptomeningeal spread, but it would be wonderful if it would shrink enough to stop his pain. We did have a fantastic weekend at the lake. Trevor and Morgan had so much fun playing in the sand and riding in the boat. They even rode on the tube, at a very slow speed. Gigi and papaw were there along with Cody, Kelli, Dylan and Averi and some new friends. Trevor has a new little friend named Braxton, who is also 4. He replaces his "v" with an "s", so him and "Treasure" had a great time. I want to send out a "thank you" to the people at Send Love Today and some from C.O.L.E.'s Foundation for the cards and gifts that y'all send Trevor and Morgan. They really love it when they get something in the mail. Thanks!We just keep chugging along, day to day and week to week. Trevor and Morgan are true joys who do the funniest things. I have to tell this story.
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Trevor has sucked his thumb since his paci was taken away right before he was diagnosed. He does not like for anything to get on his thumb that might taste bad. He was at the sink washing his hands the other day, and I saw him put his thumb in his mouth to taste it to see if there was still soap on it. I guess it tasted okay because he was done washing his hands! Something that Morgan does....at the lake this past weekend, she found a flashlight. She turned it on with the light pointing at her face and started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But, she would only sing IF the light was turned on. So cute!"
posted by Michael Manning @ 8:22 AM
11 comments
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11 Comments:
it sounds like everything is being done for travor. he has a family that loves him. best wishes to everyone, and prayers that the treatments work better than expected.
p.s. i don't want anything on my thumb to taste bad either.
Seraphine: lol! We are very focused on this special little boy. A sick child is a sick child, no matter where they reside. Trevor was part of the Scottsdale, Arizona community for a significant period of time and we endeavor to honor him and help his family to the best of our ability. You would love him! He'll grab you by the hand and is so eager to share his toys with you! He loves making new friends! :D)
with non stop prayers for both the Tredways and for the success of the fundraiser.
you rock,
your friend forever
dari
Dari: lol! Hope you can drop a line to melinda. We are just at the beginning and are cautiously optimistic.
Michael, keep doing the good work. He does sound like a neat kid and it's heartbreaking of knowing that a kid hurts, it's terrible when they have to suffer so. May God's blessings be upon Trevor and his family.
Sage: Thank you, my friend! No one ever goes it alone on a project like this one and soon I'll announce the two friends who are helping me. We are a true Team that cares and Trevor is most deserving of a life without cancer. We endeavor to do our best and I hope you'll consider dropping Trevor a a line over at his website. I sense your genuine caring and know The Tredaways appreciate it too, Sage! :)
It is so sad to see children suffer, I pray for his recovery.
Green tea: Your visit is so welcomed. I look at my essay preceding this post and what is there--some 18 comments of back and forth. When I post about a child who is sick, it becomes a ghost town on this blog. You and a few others truly ROCK! I know it's a tough subject for many. But that's when people should pour forth and not recede. At least that's how I operate.
Trevor's condition is unique. When I look at the facts, Green Tea, I am objective as a friend and I can see where little Trevor has been. For instance, I look at last November 10th and I see a phenomenal milestone Trevor surpassed from his surgery. He is THAT determined to be well and he has beautiful parents who are young and determined and make us all care! Both Trevor and Morgan are blessed to have Todd & Melinda. Please consider dropping by Trevor's site and leaving Melinda a message of kindness. Your prayers really matter, Green Tea. Love and (((HUGS))) for stopping by here and I mean that!!!! :)
I did leave a message Michael and I hope it helps them.. GiGi
I think you should keep posting your updates -- your intentions are to help him and get his situation noticed by hopefully people with larger pockets. I think that people (including myself) just might not know what to say to each post, though that doesn't necessarily mean I don't want to read them.
Becky: Thank you for your love! The three of us in Phoenix have been holding meetings and talking to various people who will make up this fund raising project. They have been brutally honest with us and we have appreciated their candor. This recession, Becky, is beating the financial hell out of many people. But we are not easily discouraged! No. We will move forward and your note has encouraged me to post updates.
In terms of what to say, I have a personal message to anyone who is reading this: Let your heart be your guide and go post a comment on Trevor's Caringbridge website! DO NOT FEAR ANYTHING! JUST SHOW YOUR LOVE!! Life is very short and we have only this moment to "be the difference that makes a difference". All that is required is to say something as simple as "Our Love is flowing out to you!" Or..."I have been reading about little Trevor and I send you Love and every good thought for his journey to a cancer-free life". That's it! I would say to every person: You are unique; there is only one You. Stop by Trevor's site and tell Melinda and Todd you are aware and care. They read every message and they are very grateful to everyone with goodness and love in their heart! Be an encuraging messenger!! :)
Trevor's site is a wonderful source of his story, where he has been, where is is at this time and where it is that he needs to go in terms of a healthy life. He is a precious little boy and you will make a special new friend!
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